Criminal Charges Reinstated Against Apache County Sheriff

Hounshell was indicted by the State Grand Jury in May 2005 on charges of misuse of public monies, fraud and theft. The charges stem from an investigation by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office into allegations that Hounshell misappropriated from Apache County more than $8,000 in public money and equipment for his personal use or benefit between 2000 and 2004.

Last year the Maricopa County Superior Court dismissed the charges, citing lack of venue. The Court found at that time that the charges should have been brought before a court in Apache County.

In its decision Thursday, the three-judge Court of Appeals panel found that the venue was proper because elements of each charge took place in Maricopa County, and the charges should not have been dismissed.

The Hounshell case was remanded to Maricopa County Superior Court for trial. Assistant Attorney General Randall Howe argued the case before the Arizona Court of Appeals. Assistant Attorney General Theodore Campagnolo is prosecuting this case.